Lake Titicaca lays claim to a number of distinctions: It lies in two countries at once, it's the largest lake in South America (volume-wise), and it's the highest of the "large lakes" in the world. But the real attraction of Lake Titicaca is its Uros, the artificial islands that float atop it.

Built out of dried reeds, the island group is essentially a floating raft, and a small population actually lives atop it. The floating islands support much that the community needs, including houses equipped with solar panels to power modern electronics.

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Take a boat tour out from the nearby town of Puno to see the islands, and experience walking on the floating reeds yourself.

Where is it? On the border of Peru and Bolivia.

Where should I stay? Base yourself at the waterfront Libertador Lake Titicaca near the port in Puno to launch your expeditions.

What else should I know? Make time to check out the natural islands on Lake Titicaca as well, most of which permit no electricity or cars.